Have you or someone you know ever struggled with alcohol, cigarettes, or other drug addiction? It can be a difficult and complicated journey. Even if you want to get out of it, it's not easy to do it alone. At times like these, there is a trained professional who can help you. That is what we call an addiction counselor.
Who is an Addiction Counselor?
Simply put, this is a professional who provides the expertise, support, and guidance needed to help people with a substance use disorder (SUD). The severity of this substance use disorder, or SUD, varies from person to person. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms. For example, it can be called Alcohol Use Disorder or Opioid Use Disorder.
The most important thing is to understand that this is not just a bad habit, but a complex mental health condition that requires treatment .
Licensed counselors are experts at understanding the underlying causes of addiction. That is, they look at why someone became addicted to this substance, and the social, psychological, and family background that influenced it. Then they create a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual.
Why shouldn't we use words like "drug addicts"?
In the past, these counselors were called ``Substance Abuse Counselor''. But now, health systems around the world have moved away from using words like "abuse" because the negative attitudes and stigma associated with those words are so strong. Just think, even in our society, when people hear words like "drunk" and "slut," how different the way they look at a person is. Studies have found that words like these can cause:
- Labeling people like this reduces their willingness to seek treatment. People are afraid to ask for help because of shame.
- Due to misconceptions in society, others are tempted to look at those suffering from this condition with pity, fear, and anger.
- Words like these can change the way even healthcare workers view the patient, and it can also affect the quality of care received.
Therefore, if we are thinking of helping someone, it is very important to respect that person and use words like "a person suffering from a condition caused by drug use."
So what are the main tasks of this consultant?
There are several roles assigned to these advisors. Let's see what they are.
| Role | Simply description |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Your mental and physical health and the nature of your addiction will be assessed. After a discussion, the level of addiction, readiness for change, and whether you have other mental illnesses (e.g. depression) will be investigated (Dual Diagnosis). |
| Treatment Planning | A personalized treatment plan is created for you. This may include medical treatment, medication, hospitalization, rehabilitation programs, and support groups. |
| Referrals to other services | Acts as a bridge connecting you to other external services (e.g., medical care, employment counseling, support groups) that are necessary for your treatment plan. |
| Intervention | They intervene in an emergency situation where someone is trying to harm themselves or others. They also intervene to encourage someone who is reluctant to seek help, at the request of their family. |
| Counseling | Psychotherapy or "talk therapy" is provided. This can be done individually or in a group. Counseling is also provided to the family and friends of the addict. |
| Education and awareness | Family and friends are taught about the condition and how to support them during treatment. Community awareness programs are held. |
| Case Management | Records are kept of the progress of treatment. This is very important for the consultant, other doctors, the patient, and the family to monitor progress. Sometimes these reports also have to be given to law enforcement agencies. |
Helping someone like this is not something that can be done alone. That's why these counselors work with a variety of other professionals. For example:
- Psychiatrists: These are doctors who can prescribe medication.
- Psychologists: Specialists in talk therapy and psychological testing.
- Social workers: Those who provide support for family and social issues.
- Your family doctor (Primary care physicians): The doctor who looks after your general physical health.
- Registered nurses: Those who assist in medical treatment.
Where do we find such advisors?
Addiction counselors work in a variety of locations.
- Rehab facilities: Some centers are residential, meaning you can stay there and receive treatment. Others operate as outpatient departments, meaning you can come in for the day and receive treatment and go home.
- Hospitals: Major hospitals in Sri Lanka have special units that manage the symptoms of drug withdrawal (detoxification). Counselors can be found in these places.
- Private practices: Some counselors run their own practices. These are great for initial issues or for continuing support after treatment.
- Corrections facilities: These also provide counseling, education, and support to inmates.
If you or someone you know needs this kind of help, you can ask your local doctor about it. He or she can refer you to a suitable counselor or organization.
Take-Home Message
- Addiction is more than just a bad habit, it is a complex mental health condition that requires treatment.
- An addiction counselor is a trained professional who can guide you through this situation.
- They will develop a treatment plan that best suits you and provide all the necessary support.
- Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. Don't be ashamed or afraid, ask for help with confidence.
- Talking about this with your family doctor can be the first step in referring you to an appropriate counselor.
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